What do you do if you're a project manager selecting and implementing blockchain platforms?

As a project manager responsible for selecting and implementing blockchain platforms, the following steps can help you navigate the process effectively: Define Project Requirements: Clearly define and document your project requirements. Identify the specific functionalities, features, and performance criteria that the blockchain platform must fulfill to meet the project goals. Consider factors such as scalability, security, interoperability, consensus mechanisms, smart contract support, and integration capabilities. Research Available Blockchain Platforms: Conduct thorough research on the available blockchain platforms in the market. Consider popular platforms like Ethereum, Corda, or others that align with your project requirements.

Understand project requirements: goals, technical needs, scalability, security, compliance, and budget. Research and shortlist blockchain platforms. Assess technical feasibility, documentation, ease of integration, and performance. Consider governance, community support, and long-term sustainability. Scrutinize security features, data privacy, compliance, and auditability. Evaluate total cost of ownership (setup, maintenance, transaction fees). Develop a detailed implementation plan with milestones, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Provide training on blockchain technology and best practices. Continuously monitor performance, security, and scalability post-deployment, implementing optimizations as needed.

Ensure you have a basic 200 level of a few key Blockchain topics. 1. PoW vs. PoS vs. (pick a 3rd one) 2. Read through the whitepapers of 5 of the top 10 Layer 1 blockchain networks. 3. Dig into bridges and gain hands-on experience moving assets across chains. L1>L1 and L1>L2>L1. 4. Read and do your best to understand the tokenomics and governance documents of Layer 1, Layer 2, a DeFi AMM, and a memecoin. You can validate your understanding by leveraging opportunities to educate others. When you can pass on this knowledge you're ready to go deeper.

In web3 vendor selection, avoid the rug. Or to put it more cheekily, "RUG yourself into success, not out of it." Research your options Unmask the shady ones Garner support amongst the rest Trust matters in a trust-based community. Rule out anything untoward early on.

Assess Alignment with Use Case: Evaluate how well each blockchain platform aligns with your project's specific use case. Consider factors such as the industry focus, existing ecosystem, and available tools or frameworks that support your use case. Choose a platform that provides the necessary infrastructure and features to address your project requirements effectively. Evaluate Technical Considerations: Assess the technical aspects of each blockchain platform. Consider factors such as consensus mechanisms, transaction processing speed, security mechanisms, scalability, and the ability to handle your anticipated transaction volume. Evaluate the platform's compatibility with your existing technology stack and the ease of integration.

A blockchain application has many parts. Many components are traditional Web2, and traditional software architecture methods apply. For example, ensure you work backward from the problem and user stories. Have a well-defined goal focused on "how you solve the customer problem" and the shortest path there. Blockchain is a part of the solution, and it might not be needed at the start. Finally, focus on why the user needs to own the keys to their data. What value does that add, and what do you need to develop to get make that work?

Consider Development and Maintenance Costs: Evaluate the development and maintenance costs associated with each blockchain platform. Consider factors such as licensing fees, development resources, ongoing support, and infrastructure requirements. Assess the long-term sustainability and scalability of the platform, ensuring it aligns with your budget constraints. Engage with the Community: Engage with the blockchain community associated with each platform. Participate in forums, attend meetups or webinars, and connect with experts or developers in the field. Engaging with the community can provide valuable insights, support, and guidance during the selection and implementation process.

Often, the biggest hangup is which Blockchain Network to go with. I find there are a few key areas I like to start with: 1. Do you believe in Ethereum, Bitcoin, or other Layer 1 as the main ecosystem 5-10 years from now? If so, you're likely looking at Layer 2. 2. How does layer 1 accelerate your development? Do they have current developer tooling/documentation and funding programs? 3. Do you agree with the network's decentralization, governance models, and current state? 4. How can you contribute to the network's codebase?

Initial Research: Understand blockchain basics. Requirement Analysis: Define project objectives and blockchain type. Platform Evaluation: Research and evaluate platforms based on technical features. Pilot Testing: Conduct small-scale testing. Implementation Strategy: Develop a detailed deployment plan. Ongoing Management: Continuously monitor performance post-deployment. Consider community insights and expert advice for successful implementation.

Proof of Concept (PoC) or Pilot: Consider conducting a proof of concept or pilot project to validate the selected platform's capabilities and suitability for your project. This can help identify potential challenges, validate assumptions, and assess the platform's performance in a controlled environment before full-scale implementation. Collaborate with Development Team: Involve your development team in the selection process. Their expertise and experience can provide valuable insights into the technical aspects, feasibility, and implementation challenges of each platform. Collaborate with them to ensure their buy-in and to leverage their knowledge during the implementation phase.

Plan for Integration and Deployment: Develop a detailed plan for integrating the selected blockchain platform into your existing infrastructure and systems. Consider factors such as data migration, integration with existing applications, and potential disruption to ongoing operations. Define a phased approach for deployment, ensuring proper testing and monitoring mechanisms are in place. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Once the blockchain platform is implemented, continuously evaluate its performance, security, and scalability. Monitor industry trends and updates related to the platform, and assess the need for any upgrades or enhancements.

Continuously monitor the health and performance of the blockchain infrastructure. Monitor key metrics such as node uptime, transaction throughput, and network latency. Implement monitoring tools and alerts to promptly identify and address any issues. Regularly assess the scalability requirements of the blockchain network. As the network grows, evaluate the need for additional nodes, increased bandwidth, and storage capacity. Plan and execute scaling strategies to accommodate the growing demands. Regularly back up critical data and establish recovery procedures in case of system failures or data loss.